As Takesi and Asaka entered the room, Asaka's gaze traveled throughout the vast space, which had racks of books that were perhaps most hefty she'd ever seen. There were maps on the walls of the room as well as illustrations of the sun, moon, stars, and the heavens.

Aki bowed to the king, his face morphing into curiosity upon seeing a new woman, dressed in an expensive Kimono and standing next to the ruthless king. Was it real?

“I can feel the wind, it has changed.” Aki said, his voice a bit louder and clearer in the dark lit room.

“What do you mean?” Aki’s eyes finally averted from the woman and he looked at the king with pure respect.

“Your highness, from yesterday I-I felt like something has changed in the air,” Takesi had wondered if it was because of the girl? “May I ask your highness, who is this beautiful lady with you?”

“She is my guest and I request you to not speak of this with anyone.” Aki bowed with assurance. He beckoned for the king to take his seat while still looking at the woman next to him. Aki prepared the tea and put it into two cups; the aroma of green tea warmed Asaka's heart. She was a tea person. Her days would begin and end with tea. She began to miss her parents. Were they concerned for her? Looking for her?

“I apologize  for asking your highness but who is this lady? She—she,” Aki’s eyes narrowed on Asaka making her squirm under his judgemental gaze, “She has a strong aura, that of, danger and death. What is your name, miss?”

Asaka looked at Takesi for assurance and he blinked his eyes softly, his hand rested on top of her hand. It didn't go unnoticed by the fortune teller. He smiled upon the gesture and said, “I sense love in the air.”

“No.” Asaka denied. Love? No way. She had only met him yesterday and he locked her in a cell but he did spent all day with her. Ate lunch with her. Listened to her non sense about future. Where she worked. It was a struggle as she explained some new words to him but she felt safe with him....